Kisker powers Bulldogs to first GPAC victory
LINCOLN, Neb. – Head coach Scott Mattera’s volleyball squad grew tired of all the close-set losses to begin the season. The Bulldogs entered Tuesday’s action with defeats in eight-straight sets decided by two points. Enough was enough. Concordia finally snapped that string by taking both games two and four by two points each on the way to a 25-20, 27-25, 15-25, 26-24 victory at Nebraska Wesleyan.
Concordia (4-9, 1-3 GPAC) senior outside hitter Amanda Kisker enjoyed perhaps her best match of the season, going for 19 kills in 40 attempts. She also made big plays on the defensive end as she added 13 digs in leading the Bulldogs to their first league win.
“Amanda had a huge match statistically, but I was even more proud of her for an adjustment she made in the fourth game,” Mattera said. “She made the commitment to stick to discipline and really made some great momentum plays defensively that gave us a ton of energy. She showed what a leader does.”
Kisker was supported by standout performances from several teammates. Sophomore Mariah Schamp piled up nine kills and 3.5 blocks and sophomore Amanda Abbott looked comfortable on the right side with 11 kills. Meanwhile, sophomore Jami Nekoliczak had 27 assists and sophomore Carli Smith (16 digs) played a fantastic match at libero both defensively and in serve receive.
“There were so many girls that stepped up today that I can't possibly name them all,” Mattera said. “I'm just so proud of them for staying the course and believing in themselves and what we are building as a team.”
The Prairie Wolves (5-5, 0-2 GPAC) were paced by the 16 kills from Katelyn Walsh and 48 assists from Alex Springman. They were coming off victories in two of their previous three matches.
Concordia out-hit Nebraska Wesleyan .229 to .217 for the match. The Prairie Wolves heated up to .591 in game No. 3, but the Bulldogs responded with a tight win in the deciding fourth set.
Concordia will host Dakota Wesleyan (3-11, 0-1 GPAC) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the team’s second home contest of 2012. An alumni match will be held immediately after.